What Exactly is Bullying?
There are often misconceptions regarding the definition of bullying. Other behaviors and actions that do not meet the definition of bullying are many times called bullying. There are three specific characteristics that identify bullying:

The behavior must be repeated. Bullying does not just happen once – it is ongoing

The bullying is intentional

The bullying is directed to someone with less power

Our school district policy defines bullying as systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students. Unwanted and repeated written, verbal, cyber or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture by an adult or student that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s school performance or participation and is characterized by an imbalance of power.

What is the Difference Between Bullying, Conflict and Teasing

Normal Conflict

Bullying

Equal power

Imbalance of power

Happens occasionally

Repeated negative actions

Accidental

Purposeful

Equal emotional reaction

Emotional harm on just one side

Remorse

No remorse

Effort to solve the problem

No effort to solve the problem

Source: Vaughn, 2007

Teasing

Bullying

Innocent in motive

Purposeful – a choice to hurt someone

Equal power – teaser and person being teased swap roles

Imbalance of power

Is discontinued when person being teased objects

Continues (repeated) and includes fear of further taunting

Maintains basic dignity of everyone involved

Involves humiliating, cruel, demeaning comments

Sources: Coloroso, 2004, The Ophelia Project, 2012

This podcast discusses the crucial role parents play in bullying prevention. Created by National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). Click here to listen – Bullying Podcast